Your fantastic Queensland holiday starts here...

Your Guide to Magnetic Island

Mar 22, 2018

Magnetic Island was bestowed its name due to the supposed ‘magnetic’ effect on Captain Cook’s compass as he sailed past. Given the effects could never be recreated we could simply assume it was the island’s beauty calling the famous captain to her shores for a break. Too bad Kit Kat’s weren’t around back then!

Surrounded by turquoise seas, the vibrant coral of the Great Barrier Reef, 23 beaches and more forest trails than you can shake a walking stick at, Magnetic Island is something out of a fantasy. Yet, only 25 minutes from Townsville, it’s not only real, but easily accessible and the perfect place to take your loved ones to either adventure or relax, but most importantly reconnect.

Although the island is part of the World Heritage Listed Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, the scenery is slightly different to your usual tropical island. Seeing less rainfall than the northern tropics and the Whitsundays the landscape is covered in hoop pines and eucalypt woodland and rocky terrain peppered with enormous granite boulders birthed some 275 million years ago!

HOW TO GET THERE
Fly, drive, or catch the train or bus into Townsville. From there, you can catch the passenger ferry that will have you on Magnetic Island in 25 minutes, departing regularly throughout the day. Or you can jump on the car ferry that will transport you and your vehicle across.

MAGNETIC ISLAND MUST DO
1. Relax on one of the 23 beaches! Our favourites include:

Horseshoe Bay

Arcadia Bay

Nelly Bay

Picnic Bay

West Point

2. Traverse (okay, it’s just a walk) Hawkins Point, 1.2 kilometre’s of effort will reward you with sprawling views across the island.

3. Dive or snorkel the SS City of Adelaide.

4. Get your cuddle on at Bungalow Bay Koala Village with a rock wallaby or koala.

Grand Mercure offers 4 star studios and apartments to suit a range of budgets and family sizes. The absolute beachfront location lends itself to a plethora of views across the coral sea. The facilities include 4 swimming pools, a decadent day spa, gym, tour desk, BBQ facilities and more.

Peppers Blue on Blue is 5 Star luxury from the its perch on the waters edge to the hotel rooms, apartments, and penthouses everything you find here is lavish. The facilities include two swimming pools, day spa, restaurant and bar, and room service – you can even have cocktails delivered poolside!

Both resorts are located next to the harbour and marina precinct meaning dining, shopping, attractions and tours are just a short walk away.

Check out our article for more THINGS TO DO ON MAGNETIC ISLAND!

Have we got you dreaming about your next island escape? Call us on 1300 788 553 or shoot us a message, we're all about fantastic holidays!

Our Top Picks For Tropical North

Featured

Magnetic Island, Tropical North

Peppers Blue on Blue Resort

Set in tropical landscaped surrounds with beautiful marina and mountain views, Peppers Blue on Blue Resort redefines the essence of island holidays on magical Magnetic Island. Peppers Blue on Blue Resort is positioned on the water's edge in the heart of a new waterfront precinct.